'Horizons of Promise'

Friday @ Vessel Gallery: Based on the premise of humanity as eternal students of the land, this exhibition finds artists in various styles and media contemplating the balance of nature, the complexity of ecosystems, where we fit into it all and what it has to teach us. Artists include Luke Heimbigner, Walter James Mansfield, Morgania Moore, Wayne Shaffer (whose work is shown), Cyrus Tilton and Sanjay Vora. Reception 6 p.m.; through April 28. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and by appointment. 471 25th St., Oakland. (510) 893-8800. www.vessel-gallery.com. (M.E.)

Bear in Heaven

Sunday @ the Independent: The title of the trio's new album, "I Love You, It's Cool," is deceptively offhand. Here, Bear in Heaven is nothing if not focused, connecting the urgency of post-punk old-schoolers like Killing Joke and the beats of indie dance-floor cutups a la Cut Copy. Hobnobbing with such luminaries as Norwegian producer Lindstrom (who has remixed Bear in Heaven's "Lovesick Teenagers") and experimental composer Rhys Chatham has done more for the Southern-bred trio than simply lend them a certain cool cred - the proof is in the album's earbud-worthy details. 8 p.m., $15, 21+. 628 Divisadero St., S.F. (415) 771-1421. www.theindependentsf.com. (K.C.)